7 Best Esthetician-Approved Cotton Pads For Toners & Makeup Removers – 2024
Remove your makeup easily with these gentle, organic, and fragrance-free cotton pads.
Carlee SpathLicensed Esthetician 
Carlee is a Licensed Esthetician with over 10 years of experience and a certified acne specialist with Face Reality. She is the co-founder of The Switch Suites, a luxury skincare wellness center located in Bankers Hill, San Diego. She speci... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are aiming for zero wastage while applying toner and not succeeding, you are probably not using cotton pads. Luckily, you can get the best cotton toner applicator pads for your delicate skin in just a click. With their efficient absorption capacity, there is no question of leaking or dripping.
Carlee Spath, a licensed esthetician with over 10 years of experience, says, “Cotton pads adequately remove all residues from the skin. They are like the white glove test for the skin.”
To make your search for cotton pads easier for a convenient beauty routine, we have listed the 7 amazing products that will up your skin care game. Take a look!
In This Article
7 Best Cotton Pads That Work Well With Toners And Makeup Removers
1. Best Organic:Pacifica Beauty Moisture Rehab Makeup Removing Wipes
The Pacifica Beauty Moisture Rehab Makeup Removing Wipes helps you reveal clean, makeup-free skin in a few swipes without leaving any residue. These sheets are perfect for the lazy days when you are too tired for the conventional cotton pad dual cleansing ritual and would like an easy and convenient one. These absorbent cotton wipes are packed with organic and nourishing ingredients like rose water, coconut water, calendula, and aloe vera. These ingredients help to protect and rejuvenate your skin. These wipes are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, or mineral oil. Additionally, their high absorbability and durability make them an ideal choice to prevent wastage. So test them out today!
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Residue-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Good for dry skin
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- May not take off waterproof mascara
"These wipes are very good for my makeup removal and skin care. They give a moisturizing touchup especially on those long hot days. They're gentle on sensitive skin and don't cause dryness. These are ideal for travel and outdoor adventures and are a staple in my routine."
Pro Tip2. Best Tear-Resistant:Rael Beauty Facial Sponge Cotton Pads
The Rael Facial Sponge Cotton Pads use air-laid technology for extra absorption and durability, making these luxurious cotton pads perfect for delicate areas. These smooth and non-abrasive toner pads with a spongy texture glide smoothly and are ideal for sensitive skin. They are designed using natural pulp and fine-quality rayon and do not leave residue or lint on the skin. These drugstore cotton rounds have high absorption power and prevent product wastage, improve product efficiency, and let you apply products with ease for brighter skin. These no-shedding soak pads are well suited for DIY masking – create your own mask by soaking these pads in toner and apply to the target area. This set has 200 pieces. If you are not sure about it, check out some of the reviews online before you test them out.
Pros
- Tear-resistant
- Lint-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial color
- No artificial scents
- Safe for all skin types
- For all ages
Cons
- Very thin
"I like how these facial pads hold toner without excessive absorption. They feel comfortable on the skin, leave no residue, and have just the right thickness. They're good for their effectiveness with minimal product waste."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 930 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
3. Best Easy Maintenance:Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Switch your disposable cotton balls with the Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads towards the zero-waste initiative makeup regime. These sustainably sourced cotton pads are good for your skin and the environment. They minimize any product wastage and help your skin receive the most out of your products. The pack contains 20 reusable and eco-friendly makeup remover pads that are designed to last for years. After use, you can just wash it and store it for reuse. The pads come in a sturdy storage container and a cotton laundry bag for proper maintenance. According to some skin care reviewers on various e-commerce websites, these pads are gentle enough to be used on sensitive or dry skin and would not lead to irritated skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Natural bamboo
- Organic cotton
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons
- May shrink after use
Pacifica Beauty Moisture Rehab Makeup Removing Wipes Best Organic | Rael Beauty Facial Sponge Cotton Pads Best Tear-Resistant | Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads Best Easy Maintenance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All Skin,Dry | - | All |
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 6.44 x 3.5 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 7.62 Ounces. | - | - |
| Shape | - | Square | - |
| Material | - | Cotton | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 930 | 4,537 |
| Price | $5 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
4. Best Hypoallergenic:Dear, Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pads
The Dear, Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pads are made of 100% premium cotton and are dual-sided for more effectiveness. These hypoallergenic and chemical-free luxurious cotton pads are soft and gentle on the skin. They are preferred by cosmeticians and suitable for applying toner, lotion, or cream and removing makeup, foundation, eyeshadow, and nail polish. These Korean cotton pads allow the product to sit on the top and prevent leakage or wastage. They come with a handy travel-friendly storage bag and don’t leave any residue on the skin. Each pack contains 120 cotton pads. Some reviewers’ experiences with the product revealed that it does not absorb all the product like a simple disposable cotton pad, making it easy to transfer to your face and neck.
Pros
- Lint-free
- Dual-sided
- Hypoallergenic
- Thick and plush
Cons
- Expensive
Pro Tip5. Best Hydrating:Cleen Beauty Coconut Water Hibiscus Face Wipes
Cleen Beauty Coconut Water Hibiscus Face Wipes are all you need for a strong cleansing and nourishing game. These wipes contain coconut water, which helps cleanse, tone, and nourish your skin, leaving it refreshed and dirt-free. These pads eliminate dirt and oil from the pores to give you clearer skin. They are enriched with hibiscus extracts that are rich in antioxidants to deliver visible results such as improved skin tone and texture. The wipes are biodegradable and eco-friendly. The hygienic packaging contains 25 pieces of wipes and is vegan, cruelty-free, and very easy to incorporate into your skin care routine.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
Cons
- May not take off all the makeup at once
"I like that these wipes are loaded with a lot of product which is great for removing my heavy makeup like eyeliner and lash adhesive. They're also refreshing on a hot day or during outdoor breaks. These are helpful for a first pass at makeup removal and are gentle too."
Quick Tip6. Best Lightweight:Intrinsics 100% Cotton Naturelles
These 100% pure, medical grade cotton by Intrinsics 100% Cotton Naturelles should be your pick if you are looking for a gentle product to wipe off your makeup or apply your toner. They are the perfect size to hold so you can easily cleanse your face. These multi-layered and breathable cotton pads are soft and do not cause irritated skin. These versatile use cotton pads are naturally hypoallergenic, compostable, and biodegradable. The pack contains a total of 80 round cotton pads that are suitable for all skin types and a delicate cotton pad experience. Some online reviews suggest that these pads are soft and don’t fall apart when wet, and appreciate the textured surface that helps with gentle exfoliation.
Pros
- For all skin types
- Suitable for kids and babies
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- Biodegradable
- Compostable
Cons
- Not the most durable
"I'm someone who travels regularly and needs products that are simple and effective. These round cotton pads are durable, especially when wet, and the softness is exactly what I look for in skin care. The slight quilting detail is a thoughtful touch for easy separation. They hold together well, even with oil cleansing routines."
7. Best Soothing:NEEDLY Cicachid Chilling Pad
The ultra-soothing cotton pads by NEEDLY Cicachid Chilling Pad have exceptionally high quality. They provide relief from irritants and external stimulation like heat and chemicals. The pads are gentle on the skin and contain skin-hydrating and calming ingredients. They are vegan-friendly and made out of 100% pure cotton. They are non-comedogenic, dermatologically tested, and contain no artificial fragrances and pigments, making them suitable for sensitive skin types.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Pre-moisturized
- Tweezer included
- Can be used as a stand alone product
Cons
- May not suit highly sensitive skin
"These cooling pads have been a refreshing addition to my skin care routine. I like their soothing touch on my sensitive skin. I use these in my nighttime routine to calm and rejuvenate my skin after removing my day's makeup. These pre-moistened pads are now my go-tos!"
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts While Using Cotton Pads For Makeup Removal
Using cotton pads to remove makeup is a gentle, effective, and simple method. If used correctly, they will leave no residue. When using cotton pads to remove makeup, there are a few things to keep in mind. Check out the infographic below to know more about it.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Whether you are applying toners, makeup removers, or nail polish removers, cotton pads are necessary for any skin care routine. Though there are various types of cotton pads, the best cotton pads have a high absorbency and do not leak or drip. The Pacifica Beauty Moisture Rehab Makeup Removing Wipes offer convenience and hydration while the Dear, Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pads provide versatility and practicality. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly and sustainable option, try the Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads. The products reviewed in the list are hypoallergenic, organic, fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types, and reusable. In addition, these products from trusted brands of cotton pads are gentle on your skin and offer effective cleansing. Made of organic cotton, they can easily remove stubborn and waterproof makeup from your skin in just a few simple swipes.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach with a passion for keeping up with emerging skin care trends. She knows that the wrong cotton pads leave you with liquid dripping everywhere. So, she conducted meticulous research and collated the list of the best cotton pads that are a must-have for your skin care kit. These cotton pads are soft and suitable for all skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reusable cotton pads hygienic?
Yes, reusable cotton pads are not only hygienic but also eco-friendly. They prevent landfill waste as you can wash them regularly after use.
Why are cotton pads better?
Using a cotton pad exfoliates your skin gently for dead skin cell removal, leaving skin smooth and soft. It also aids the toner in grabbing any extra oil and pollutants that may be left on the skin.
Are reusable cotton pads safe?
Reusable cotton pads are sanitary and environmentally friendly. These pads can be cleaned and used again and again. However, do keep an eye on the expiration date (if any) and discard them accordingly.
How long do reusable cotton pads last?
Most reusable cotton pads will last you for years if properly washed and cared for. They are viable for around 500 to 1000 washes.
